SCIENCE

Science is the active study of the natural and man-made world, including processes, structures, designs, and systems. Science students use their senses and tools to observe, record and analyze data about the world and to make conclusions based on evidence. Scientifically literate young people can understand basic science concepts, use skills for doing scientific investigations, solve technical problems, and design technologies for today’s world.

The Science Continuum

The main approach to teaching and learning sciences in the Primary Years Programme (Grades K-4) is through structured inquiry. PYP students are encouraged to investigate science by formulating their own questions and finding the answers to those questions, including through research and experimentation. In turn, students construct meaning and create models of how the world works through the development of scientific knowledge, conceptual understanding and skills. Scientific inquiry is central to teaching and learning science in the Middle Years Programme (Grades 5-10). It enables students to develop a way of thinking and a set of skills and processes that allows them to acquire knowledge and understanding. Science and its methods of investigation offer a way of learning that contributes to the development of an analytical and critical way of thinking. Inquiry is at the heart of MYP sciences and aims to support students’ understanding of sciences by providing them with opportunities to independently investigate relevant issues through both research and experimentation. The MYP sciences curriculum must be relevant to the interests of students, providing them with opportunities to explore the connections between science and everyday life. It is anticipated that students will become interested in and engaged with the role of science in the world. Through the investigation of real examples of the application of science, the “one world” objective allows students to gain insight into the tensions and dependencies between science and societal, environmental and ethical factors. Fridley High School offers multiple electives in science including various options for the Diploma Programme (Grades 11-12).

K-12 Science Key Topics

Kindergarten

Life Science: characteristics of living and non-living things

Earth Science: season and weather

Grade 1

Earth Science: rocks and minerals

Life Science: animals and life cycles (Springbrook partnership)

Nature of Science: observation and recording data

Grade 2

Physical Science: force and motion

Physical Science: physical states of matter

Earth Science: meteorology and weather

Life Science: insects/plants and life cycles (Springbrook partnership)